Are You Confused and Helpless?

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to his disciples, "The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields." Matthew 9:36-38   

Sheep in Israel. Are you lost?

Jesus was compassionate. That is one of His best qualities that we should all try to emulate. So the crowds, presumably Jews as He was traveling around Israel, were distress and discouraged. Maybe the stress of daily living, diseases and Roman oppression was just too much for them. Everywhere Jesus went the crowds were pushing in on Him seeking healing. This scripture passage is right before He announces the names of His twelve disciples and then He sends them out to minister to the Jews—not the Gentiles or the Samaritans. It was like He was dividing up His work and assigning it to His helpers. There were a lot of Jews that still needed to hear the Good News that God’s Kingdom is within reach—at hand. Jesus came first save the Jews…and then the Gentiles.

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions: "Don't go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans, but only to the people of Israel—God's  lost sheep. Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:5-8 

Now this message is the same for the Gentiles as it was for the Jews. The Kingdom of Heaven is near. Are you confused and helpless about that? Do you have a relationship with Jesus? Just as David told his son, Solomon, seek God, we should daily do the same.

And Solomon, my son, learn to know the God of your ancestors intimately. Worship and serve him with your whole heart and a willing mind. For the LORD sees every heart and knows every plan and thought. If you seek him, you will find him. But if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. 1 Chronicles 28:9

Learn to know God intimately—worship and serve Him. As David said…if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. I’m sure you never want to be rejected. I don’t. I seek God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength.

Prayer ~ Lord, as You begin Your harvest may I be found to be acceptable in Your sight. I am willing to be a worker for You in the Your fields. As You were compassionate with the Jews of Your time on earth, please be compassionate with everyone around the world by opening their eyes and hearts to Your truth. May they see that the Kingdom of Heaven is near—within reach.

Daily Bible Reading: Matthew 9; Luke 7

© 2017 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.

All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.

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